Whether you are a fan of soccer or not, the 2022 World Cup is going to be a great event to watch. The tournament will be played in the Middle East for the first time and will be a great way to bring cultures and countries together. However, the tournament may prove to be a political event, especially when it comes to its host nation of Qatar.
The World Cup is not the only event that may prove to be a political snare for Qatar. Its neighbors have been known to use sportswashing to enhance their image, even when the real issue is a dark side of their societies. The emergence of sportswashing as a means to boost image is an unfortunate development. However, if done correctly, the 2022 World Cup can be a huge boon to the region.
The World Cup is a huge tournament that will bring millions of fans to the host countries for four weeks. Each country will invest in its stadiums and other related facilities to show off the latest in technology and innovation. It is also a great way to get kids to get outside. The World Cup has been said to be the most important sporting event in the world. The tournament is said to have helped stop wars, and it has even been said to promote healthy social interactions between Middle Eastern cultures and the rest of the world.
The FIFA (Federation International de Football Association) has decided to suspend all Russian soccer clubs in the tournament. This is a clear indication of the repercussions of global politics on soccer’s premier showcase. Historically, FIFA does not punish countries for conflicts that take place within their own borders. However, with the onset of the Saudi blockade of Qatar in 2017, the efforts to host the 2022 World Cup stepped up a notch.
The 2022 World Cup is not the only major event that may prove to be a political boon for Qatar. In addition to the World Cup, Gulf neighbors have also started professional golf tours and purchased British soccer clubs. These efforts are also having a trickle-down effect, but the media in the West will not likely take note.
The most important feature of the World Cup is that it has been shown to inspire young people to get outside. In fact, a study by the General Authority for Statistics found that nearly half of Saudi Arabians now exercise at least 30 minutes a week. In the same vein, it has been estimated that nearly 48% of Saudi Arabians have participated in at least one soccer match.
Moreover, the tournament is a great way to promote the brand of Qatar. Qatar has spent billions of dollars on stadiums and other related facilities. It is also a sign of the country’s status as a global player.
However, the true test of whether the 2022 World Cup is the right move for Qatar will be whether the region’s neighbors embrace the game. A well-guided sports governance system could make the event a positive catalyst for change. Ideally, the host country should be able to define and adhere to a set of ethical standards, including gender equality and the rights of LGBTQI people. It should also make sure that the rights of workers and other ethnic and religious groups are not compromised.
